The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its guidance for COVID-19 vaccine booster shots to allow for immunocompromised individuals and certain adults the choice to receive a second booster dose of an mRNA vaccine. These recommendations allow people who may be at increased risk for severe outcomes due to COVID-19 to receive additional protection. People should assess their own personal risk and are encouraged to consult with a healthcare provider on what would be best for their situation. The Virginia Department of Health has adopted this guidance. Second boosters may now be provided to certain individuals in Virginia.
The detailed updated guidance is as follows:
- Adults aged 50 years and older may choose to receive a second booster dose using an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) at least 4 months after the first booster dose.
- Adults aged 18–49 years who received Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine as both their primary series dose and booster dose may receive a second booster dose using an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months after the first Johnson & Johnson/Janssen booster dose.
- People aged 12 years and older who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may choose to receive a second booster dose using an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months after the first booster dose.
If you believe you may be eligible for a second booster, the Loudoun County Health Department encourages you to consult with your primary healthcare provider regarding your own risk to decide whether or not to receive a second booster.
Other individuals who are up to date with their vaccine remain well protected from severe illness without a second booster.
Vaccination Records
With the new CDC guidance for second booster doses, t’s important that people know when they completed their initial series so that they can appropriately time a second booster. The dates of your initial series and boosters are on your vaccination card. If you received your shots in Virginia and have misplaced the card, you can find the date by searching for your vaccine record online. If you need assistance over the phone, call 866-375-9795. Assistance is available Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Virginia Department of Health has included a scannable QR code on vaccination records. The technology allows anyone vaccinated in Virginia to show proof of vaccination with a digital or printed QR code instead of a paper card.
Where to Get a Vaccine
COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective at protecting against severe illness, hospitalization and death. If you have not yet received a COVID-19 vaccine, consider getting one. COVID-19 vaccines are widely available at pharmacies in Loudoun County, including CVS, Walgreens, Giant, Wegmans, Harris Teeter, and others. Call your local pharmacy or visit their website to make an appointment. You may also search for available COVID-19 vaccines at vaccines.gov.
More Information
If you have questions or need assistance finding a COVID-19 vaccination location near you, you may call the COVID-19 information line at 703-737-8300, Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Information is also available at loudoun.gov/coronavirus.
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